Air Taxi in Istanbul: Your Guide to Urban Air Mobility
Istanbul uniquely spans two continents, with millions of daily commuters crossing between the European and Asian sides of the city. The new Istanbul Airport is located 40+ km from the city center, and Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side adds another long-distance airport corridor. Massive traffic congestion and limited cross-Bosphorus capacity make Istanbul one of the most compelling eVTOL markets in Europe.
Istanbul Air Taxi Overview
Istanbul is preparing for the launch of commercial eVTOL air taxi services. Here are the key facts about urban air mobility in Istanbul.
Population
Planned Vertiports
Expected Launch
Operator
Book a Flight
Air Taxi Routes in Istanbul
Explore the planned air taxi routes in Istanbul. These high-demand corridors will be among the first to launch, offering dramatically faster travel times compared to ground transportation.
| From | To | Distance | Flight Time | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Airport (IST) | Taksim Square | 40 km | 15 min | ₺3,000–₺5,000 |
| Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | Beyoğlu | 45 km | 16 min | ₺3,500–₺5,500 |
| European Side | Asian Side (Kadıköy) | 15 km | 7 min | ₺1,500–₺2,500 |
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Vertiport Locations in Istanbul
Istanbul is planning 3 vertiport locations to support air taxi operations. These landing facilities will be strategically placed at airports, business districts, and major urban hubs.
3 Planned Vertiports
Vertiport locations in Istanbul are being selected based on passenger demand forecasts, proximity to transportation hubs, and regulatory approvals. View the full vertiport network across all cities.
Explore Vertiport LocationsOperators in Istanbul
Turkish Airlines (evaluating) is the leading eVTOL operator planning to serve Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines (evaluating)
Turkish Airlines (evaluating) is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial air taxi operations in Istanbul and other major cities worldwide.
View in MarketplaceExpected Launch Timeline
Air taxi services in Istanbul are expected to launch around 2029. Here is the anticipated timeline for eVTOL operations in the city.
Phase 1: Infrastructure & Regulatory
Vertiport site selection, construction, and regulatory framework development are underway for Istanbul. 3 vertiport locations have been identified for initial operations.
Phase 2: Test Flights & Certification
Turkish Airlines (evaluating) is advancing through type certification and demonstration flight programs to ensure safety and regulatory compliance for operations in Istanbul.
Phase 3: Limited Commercial Service — 2029
Initial commercial air taxi operations are targeted to begin in Istanbul around 2029, serving 3 key routes with limited capacity as the service ramps up.
Phase 4: Full Commercial Operations
Expanded route network, increased flight frequency, and additional vertiport locations across Istanbul as demand grows and the operational framework matures.
Cost of Air Taxi in Istanbul
Air taxi pricing in Istanbul will vary by route distance and demand. Here are the estimated costs for popular routes during initial operations.
Istanbul Airport (IST)
to Taksim Square
Estimated fare during initial operations
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
to Beyoğlu
Estimated fare during initial operations
European Side
to Asian Side (Kadıköy)
Estimated fare during initial operations
How to Book an Air Taxi in Istanbul
Booking an air taxi in Istanbul is designed to be as simple as ordering a ride-share. Follow these steps to plan your trip.
Compare Options
View available operators, compare pricing, and check flight schedules for your chosen route.
Book & Fly
Confirm your booking and receive your boarding pass. Head to the vertiport and enjoy your flight.
Don't Miss the Launch
Be the first to know when air taxi service begins in Istanbul. Book your flight for early access and exclusive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about air taxi services in Istanbul.
When will air taxis be available in Istanbul?
Commercial air taxi services in Istanbul are expected to launch around 2029. Operators including Turkish Airlines (evaluating) are preparing to begin eVTOL operations, starting with airport-to-city-center routes and expanding across the metropolitan area.
How much will an air taxi ride cost in Istanbul?
Air taxi fares in Istanbul are expected to range from $3 to $6 per mile during initial operations, comparable to premium ride-sharing services. For example, Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim Square is estimated at ₺3,000–₺5,000. Prices are projected to decrease as the industry scales.
What air taxi routes will be available in Istanbul?
Initial air taxi routes in Istanbul will focus on high-demand corridors such as Istanbul Airport (IST) to Taksim Square (40 km, 15 min); Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to Beyoğlu (45 km, 16 min); European Side to Asian Side (Kadıköy) (15 km, 7 min). Additional routes will be added as the vertiport network expands.
How many vertiports will Istanbul have?
Istanbul is planning to launch with approximately 3 vertiport locations. These vertiports will be strategically placed at airports, business districts, and key urban hubs to maximize coverage and convenience for passengers.
Which air taxi operators will serve Istanbul?
Turkish Airlines (evaluating) is the primary eVTOL operator planning to serve Istanbul. These companies are developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed for safe, quiet, and emission-free urban air travel.
How do I book an air taxi in Istanbul?
You can plan your air taxi trip in Istanbul today using the eVTOL.Travel route planner. Once commercial operations launch around 2029, you will be able to book flights directly through our platform. Book your flight now to be among the first to fly when services go live.
Ready to Fly in Istanbul?
Be among the first to experience air taxi services when they launch in Istanbul around 2029. Book your flight or start planning your route today.
Explore Other Cities
Air taxi services are launching across the globe. Explore urban air mobility guides for other major cities.
Dubai
UAE
Q2 2026
New York
USA
2027
Los Angeles
USA
2026
Miami
USA
2027
London
UK
2028
Tokyo
Japan
2028
Singapore
Singapore
2027
Abu Dhabi
UAE
Q3 2026
Osaka
Japan
2028
Seoul
South Korea
2028
Paris
France
2027
Shenzhen
China
Operational
São Paulo
Brazil
2028
Sydney
Australia
2028
Munich
Germany
2028
Rome
Italy
2027
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
2027
Bangkok
Thailand
2029
Mexico City
Mexico
2029
Bangalore
India
2029
San Francisco
USA
2027
Chicago
USA
2028
Dallas
USA
2027
Toronto
Canada
2028
Jakarta
Indonesia
2030
Shanghai
China
2027
Delhi/NCR
India
2030
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
2029
Cairo
Egypt
2030
San Diego
USA
2028
Boston
USA
2028
Atlanta
USA
2028
Seattle
USA
2028
Denver
USA
2028
Houston
USA
2028
Las Vegas
USA
2027
Orlando
USA
2027
Washington DC
USA
2028
Doha
Qatar
2027
Hong Kong
China
2028
Zurich
Switzerland
2028
Amsterdam
Netherlands
2028
Mumbai
India
2029
Tel Aviv
Israel
2028
Melbourne
Australia
2028
Cape Town
South Africa
2029
Dublin
Ireland
2029
Lima
Peru
2029
Vienna
Austria
2028
Nairobi
Kenya
2030
Taipei
Taiwan
2029
Lisbon
Portugal
2028